Weighted racquet cover

ABSTRACT

The present improvement on the original weighted racquet cover, U.S. Pat. No.  4,671,510  is as follows:
           1 ) It fits every tennis and racquetball racquet.     2 ) It is much lighter in weight and is more diversified.     3 ) It will work both as a warm-up system and a weight training system.     4 ) It will help build the extensor muscle, which in most cases is an under developed muscle and the main cause of tennis elbow.     5 ) It will also strengthen the rotator cuff, which is another tennis related injury of the shoulder.     6 ) By using the weighted product you will extend your future playing time in the sport.

This application claims priority benefit on PROVISIONAL APPLICATION No. U.S. 61/575,059 FILING DATE: Sep. 12, 2011

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I am the original inventor of the weighted racquet cover. The original patent 046771510 was a tennis racquet cover, which turn out was limited on the racquets that it would fit. The new and improved version fit every racquet, both tennis and racquetball.

Sports which use a swinging implement include baseball, golf and tennis. Every athlete has been taught the value of warming up before play by swinging a weighted practice implement. The classic example of such warm up swings is the baseball player swinging two or three bats at once, or weighted bat, before his turn at bat. The value of practice swinging with weighted implement is rooted in the body's ability to concentrate on the complex muscle movements in slow motion prior to executing the motions at full speed. In slow motion practice swings the mind is refreshed on how to execute the precise motion needed for a home run, birdie or down the line winner. Additional physical benefits are derived from stressing and flexing the necessary muscles and soft tissue in slow motion prior to full exertion.

None of the prior art know to the applicant addresses the peculiar needs of a weighted warm up cover for a racquet. The improved version is much lighter and much more versatile and works weight training to strengthen the extensor muscle to help eliminate or reduce what is call tennis elbow. A racquet requires that a means be provided to balance various weights across the face of the racquet in order to maintain a consistent rotational resistance while swinging. Without such balance forces, the racquet face will plunge into resistance while swinging. Without such balance forces, the racquet face will plunge into a horizontal plane while swinging instead of remaining in the preferred vertical plane. Such plunging would improperly prepare the player for proper racquet control during the game and thereby defeat the purpose of warm up swings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The version of the of this invention is not a regular type racquet cover, like the original patent, but looks like a tank top shirt, with an adjustable clasp on the back and when you pull on the adjustable strap it conforms to the racquet head. This new version still has the pouch which hold the weights and because of the way the weights are positioned make for a more versatile unit then the original.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple means to vary the amount of weights on the cover for both warm up and weight training.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 us a front elevational view of a tennis racquet with a weighted cover showing a partial cut-away view of the racquet strings.

FIG. 2 us a fragmentary top plan view of the weighted racquet cover pockets

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the racquet in horizontal plane ready for a practice Swing with the cover having two weights in the outermost pockets.

FIG. 4 is the same as FIG. 3 with the cover having two weights in the intermediate pockets and one weight in the center.

FIG. 5 is the same as FIG. 3 with the cover having one weight I the center pocket illustrating that several combination of weights can be selected.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a tennis racquet having a different embodiment of the cover with balanced, separated weight pockets.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring first to FIG. 1, racquet 1 could be any type of sports racquet for tennis, Racquetball or squash, for example. The strings 2 and the frame (not shown) are covered by a cover 3 held by a Strap and Clasp on the back of the cover. Cover 3 has central located flexible material 5 forming the pockets 6 equidistantly spaced across the center line 10 of the racquet face 9.

FIG. 2 shows the material 5 of FIG. 1 with the packets 6 holding weights 20 by means Closing flap 7. This embodiment uses Velcro hooks 21 and piles 22 is close flap 7. The weights 20 should be sized to approximate the weight of the playing ball (2 ounces for tennis or racquetball). However, a variety of weights may be provided to offer a variety of practice swing, combinations for player of various levels. Critical to the invention is that the weights 20 be added symmetrically around cent line 10 of the racquet (see FIG. 1) in order to maintain balance rotation torgue during the swing. A selection of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 weights is possible. 

1. For use on a tennis or racquetball racquet which has a handle and a racquet head attached to the handle, said racquet head being symmetrical on on opposite side of a longitudinal centerline aligned with handle.
 2. Partial cover fitting snugly over the racquet head: 5 pockets on the outside of said cover, each of said pockets having an opening therein, said pockets being symmetrically arranged laterally of the longitudinal centerline of the racquet head carry the cover; The pockets have 5 chamber of which would hold the individual weights and secured with a flap held by Velcro. This makes for a balanced system which helps in warming up the said muscles. 